Family Member, Caregiver, and Survivor Resources

2024 National Caregiver Support Month Webinar:

Hosted by DVMF on Friday November 22, 2024, this 90 minute webinar features presentations by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Maryland Coalition of Families, University of Maryland Global Campus, VA Caregiver Support Program, Building Better Caregivers, and the Maryland Office of Overdose Response. Also included are valuable websites and resources for caregivers of active duty service members, veterans, and children and youth.

Watch the webinar here.

Links to presenter websites:
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Maryland Coalition of Families
University of Maryland Global Campus- Pillars of Strength Caregiver Scholarship
VA Caregiver Support Program
Building Better Caregivers
Maryland Office of Overdose Response

VA and DOD resources for family members and caregivers

VA Coaching into Care– Coaching Into Care provides a “coaching” service for family and friends of veterans who see that a veteran in their life needs help. Coaching involves helping the caller figure out how to motivate the veteran to seek services. The service is free and provided by licensed clinical social workers and psychologists. The goal of the service is to help the veteran and family members find the appropriate services in their community.

• Coaching into Care Support Line: 888-823-7458

VA Caregiver Support Program– Learn more about the support and services VA offers family caregivers of disabled veterans, obtain referrals to your local VA Caregiver Support Coordinator, and find tools for veteran caregivers.

• Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274

Warrior Caregiver Resources – Resources provided by the Department of Defense to caregivers who assist wounded, ill, and injured Service members with activities of daily living.

For Survivors and Dependents of Deceased Veterans

VA Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA)- The OSA is a VA program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to survivors and dependents of deceased veterans and members of the Armed Services.

Bereavement Counseling-  The VA offers bereavement counseling to parents, spouses and children of Armed Forces personnel who died in the service of their country.  Also eligible are family members of reservists and National Guardsmen who die while on duty.  VA’s bereavement counseling is provided at community-based Vet Centers located near the families.  There is no cost for VA bereavement counseling.  Services are obtained by contacting the Readjustment Counseling Service.

• Readjustment Counseling Service: 202-461-6530

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)- TAPS offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

• TAPS Help and Information Line: 800-959-TAPS (8277)